Among those on parade was his wingman, Major Simon Beattie, who received a trophy as the air corps' best aircraft commander of the year.

Dressed in combat fatigues and the air corps' blue beret, Charles said: "It's a particular pleasure to see so many of 662 Squadron, which my youngest son serves in, on parade even though he is not here – he shoved off, probably because he knew his ancient parents were coming.

"Having heard from him about your remarkable exploits in Afghanistan I have some better understanding of just what you're all up to, the challenges you face and constant demands you are under."

The Prince, who is Colonel in Chief of the Army Air Corps, added that he could empathise with the families who are left behind when soldiers are deployed abroad.

"If it is any consolation, I understand very well just how many demands are faced by service families when you find yourselves required to go here, there and everywhere at short notice," he said.

"I think we owe the families here an enormous debt of gratitude."

As well as presenting service medals, Charles gave special awards to a number of soldiers, including the Colonel in Chief's trophy for the best aircraft commander of the year to Maj Beattie, from Bath, Somerset, who flew with his son throughout their tour.

Reservists from Bury St Edmunds-based 6 Regiment Army Air Corps, who deployed as ground crew with 662 Sqn, were also among the 40 soldiers who received medals.

Lance Corporal Shelley Dockery, 35, a mother-of-four from Haverhill, Suffolk, works as a firefighter in the UK but has just returned from her first tour as reservist Apache ground grew at Camp Bastion.

She praised her husband Matthew for caring for their children – Lochlan, three, Oliver, five, James, 11, and Chloe, 13 – during her deployment.

"I was away from January to May and deliberately planned it that way so I didn't miss Christmas at home," she said.

"But occasions like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day reminded me what I was missing back home.

"I had always wanted to join the Army and got to 30 and thought, if I don't do it now, I never will.

"There are hardships involved but I don't regret my decision at all."

Captain Tom Brunwin, 31, from Reading, Berkshire, proposed to his partner Jo the day before he deployed to Afghanistan as an Apache pilot.

They got married at a church in Bildeston, Suffolk, on Saturday and are due to fly to South Africa on honeymoon later today.

"For me it was easy as I got to escape all the wedding admin," he said.

"I think it was harder for Jo being left behind, particularly as this was my second tour in quick succession.

"But it was great to be back just in time for the wedding and we had a wonderful day.

"Now I just can't wait to have some time alone together on honeymoon.

"I was very lucky that the planning worked out so that I could pick up my medal from Prince Charles today."

His new wife added: "Having a wedding to plan helped keep me busy while Tom was away and we're so happy to be back together."

The Apache is flown on operations by 3 and 4 Regiments Army Air Corps, with the two units providing a continuous presence in Afghanistan since 2006.